Clunch Shed

This building is based on an earth walled, rectangular structure.
Very little of this type of building survives in the archaeology, as the material gets scattered and ploughed out. The dimensions externally are 12ft (4m) x 8ft (2.5m). The wall is 18 inches (0.5m) thick.
The construction method is rammed earth, chalk and straw, using a wooden frame to maintain wall shape. (See 'forge')

'Clunch' is the local name for an earth wall, common to Hampshire and Sussex. In other parts of Britain it is called by other names, in Dorset and Devon it is called 'Cob', and in Buckinghamshire it is called 'Wytchet'.

The walls of this building were constructed by children, as part of the schools 'hands on' activities during a visit to the farm. The roof frame was put together to show a variety of methods of joints and techniques. The thatch is water reed, and is a minimum build to reflect the low status of this structure.